DEON POTGIETER, Johannesburg | Sunday 3.00pm.
MZUKISI Sikali lost his World Boxing Union junior bantamweight world title on a split decision in Italy on Saturday night.
“Sikali practically killed their guy,” said Michau Hazleman, Sikali’s manager. “One of the judges gave the fight to Sikali by eight points and the other two gave it to (Luigi) Castiglione. After the decision was given the referee even came to our corner to apologise for the blatant injustice.”
“It’s an absolute disgrace.” said Mike Segal, Sikali’s promoter. “I’ve taken many fighters to Italy and the only time they’ve won is when they’ve knocked their opponents out.”
Sikali, also a former World Boxing Union junior flyweight world champion, was very disappointed at losing his title in this way, particularly to a fighter he had previously knocked out.
Sikali had won the world title last year by stopping Castiglione in eight rounds. He returned to Italy in February to defend against Mercurio Ciamatario. He stopped the Italian in five.
“Sikali is in a better class than these guys,” said Segal. “We’ll seek a world title match-up for him with one of the other world sanctioning bodies. It’s a setback, but Sikali’s a tough guy, he’ll be back.”